Some of the most vulnerable in North Bay & area need help as soon as possible, according to Meals on Wheels coordinator Kerri Milne-Rivest.
The program is run through the local VON (Victorian Order of Nurses) office on Shirreff Avenue.
"We typically service around 200 clients a week, but that number has risen to close to 300, and we expect it to continue to rise due to the current COVID19 situation," she explains.
What's making matters worse is that their normal volunteer base is not able to do what they normally do.
"Many of our volunteers are snowbirds or have been out if the country, so they have to stay home. Others are seniors with underlying health issues of their own so they should not be out and about," says Milne-Rivest.
She says they could use at least 15 new volunteers or more as soon as today.
"We really need help to keep people getting their nutrition. Volunteers can rest assured we run them through our own screen process. Plus, for most of the deliveries, a volunteer would simply knock on the door and leave the meal by the door," she adds.
People can help whether they are able to assist one day a week, or five days a week or anything in between.
"If you have a vehicle you can do it alone. Or a couple could go together with one driver, and one serving as the delivery person," she explains.
Typically a volunteer might deliver eight to ten meals in a two-hour period during the midday.
The best way to offer assistance as a volunteer is to call the VON office anytime, seven days week, and leave a message. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible. The number is 705-472-8050.
